Recent Advances in Nonprecious Metal Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Fuel Cells

Abstract

Non-precious metal catalysts (NPMCs) are developed for oxygen reduction in alkaline fuel cell (AFC). The performance of the catalyst in alkaline electrolyte is studied by rotating disk electrode (RDE). The NPMC prepared with carbon-supported metal-nitrogen composite precursor and subjected to heat-treatment shows comparable activity for oxygen reduction when compared with Pt/C catalyst. The fuel cell performance of the catalyst was studied using anion exchange membrane (AEM) from Tokuyama Corporation. The NPMC exhibits an open circuit potential (OCP) of 0.97 V and a maximum power density of 177 mW cm -2 at 50 °C.